Prehistoric unenclosed hut circle settlement south east of Long Crags

Reasons for Designation

Unenclosed hut circle settlements were the dwelling places of prehistoric farmers. The hut circles take a variety of forms. Some are stone based and are visible as low walls or banks enclosing a circular floor area. Others were timber constructions and only the shallow groove in which the timber uprights used in the wall construction stood can now be identified; this may survive as a slight earthwork feature or may be visible on aerial photographs. Some can only be identified by the artificial earthwork platforms created as level stances for the houses. The number of houses in a settlement varies between one and twelve. In areas where they were constructed on hillslopes the platforms on which the houses stood are commonly arrayed in tiers along the contour of the slope. Several settlements have been shown to be associated with organised field plots, the fields being defined by low stony banks or indicated by groups of clearance cairns. Many unenclosed settlements have been shown to date to the Bronze Age but it is also clear that they were still being constructed and used in the Early Iron Age. They provide an important contrast to the various types of enclosed and defended settlements which were also being constructed and used around the same time. Their longevity of use and their relationship with other monument types provides important information on the diversity of social organisation and farming practices amongst prehistoric communities.

The prehistoric unenclosed hut circle settlement south east of Long Crags is well preserved and will retain significant archaeological deposits. It is one of a group of prehistoric settlements located close to rock outcrops on a ridge above the valley of the Harthope Burn. It is situated within an area of clustered archaeological sites of high quality and forms part of a wider archaeological landscape. It will contribute to any study of the wider settlement and land use pattern during this period.

Details

This monument includes an unenclosed hut circle settlement of prehistoric date situated south east of Long Crags with extensive views south and eastward towards the coastal plain. The settlement comprises six hut circles lying up to 15m apart. They are clearly visible as earth and stone banks up to 0.4m high and between 4m and 7m in diameter. All except one hut circle have east facing entrances and three of these are marked by very large boulders. Two hut circles appear to have semicircular annexes attached to one side.

MAP EXTRACT The site of the monument is shown on the attached map extract. It includes a 2 metre boundary around the archaeological features, considered to be essential for the monument's support and preservation.

Legacy

The contents of this record have been generated from a legacy data system.

Legacy System number:

29319

Legacy System:

RSM

End of official list entry

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